The Stand

[Scott]

At some point in high school when I went on my first Stephen King binge, 1985 I think, I read the Stand. A couple friend’s dad were reading it at the same time, and I have very fond, but vague, memories of the book.
I worked at a book store in 1990 and bought the Complete and Uncut edition when it was released; I’m just getting around to reading it now. I’m looking forward to revisiting it and seeing how it hold up, but the original was a monster, and I think this version is 300-400 pages longer. More to come.

[GRWelsh]

I also read the original version, and thought it was a bit too long. So I didn't feel motivated to read the uncut version, either, when it first came out. Let me know what you think. The late 80's/early 90's was around the time I stopped reading King since I felt like he was making everything longer and somewhat repeating himself. I had this daydream of Stephen King going on a telekinetic rampage to kill all his editors so he could re-release longer versions of all his books to make more money.

[Scott]

If you believe King, it was one of his earliest ideas, and the draft he originally turned in was even longer. Everything “new” in this version was cut from the original draft by him at his editor’s request for production cost concerns. There’s a ‘before you buy’ preface that warns you what the book is. So far I’m enjoying it. Great story telling, but the writing is not as sophisticated as the newer stuff.